Use-Of-Force Expert, State Witness Throws Wrench In Prosecution’s Knee-On-Neck Narrative

During the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, a witness called by the prosecution told the court that numerous photos shown of the arrest and detainment of George Floyd show Chauvin’s knee and leg on Floyd’s back and between shoulder blades, as opposed to his neck.

Lt. Johnny Mercil, who was in charge of use-of-force training at the time of Floyd’s arrest, confirmed to defense attorney Eric Nelson this week that Chauvin, at least in portions of the arrest shown, was detaining Floyd by using what’s called a “prone hold,” which is permitted.

Attorney Andrew Branca for Law of Self Defense, writing at Legal Insurrection, reported on Nelson’s questioning of Mercil with regard to Chauvin’s knee and leg placement (note: summarized and not exact transcript):

It was at this point that Nelson showed Mercil a series of photographs captured from the body worn camera of Officer Lane, and showing Chauvin’s knee on Floyd from the angle down Floyd’s proned body. Photo 1: (Nelson Where’s Chauvin’s leg in this image? On Floyd’s neck? Or on his shoulder blades and back. Mercil: Shoulder blades and back. (Nelson And in photo 2? (Mercil) Same. (Nelson) Photo 3? (Mercil) Same. (Nelson) Photo 4? (Mercil) Same.

Use-Of-Force Expert, State Witness Throws Wrench In Prosecution’s Knee-On-Neck Narrative

 

Weve all been accused of it when ITL gave his overly dramatic farewell speech leaving the board.